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New Congressman DeSantis votes against Hurricane Sandy aid package

STAFF REPORT

Published: Friday, January 4, 2013 at 5:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, January 4, 2013 at 11:57 p.m.

On Friday, only 67 members of the U.S. House voted against the $9.7 billion in flood insurance aid for Hurricane Sandy victims, and one of them was newly elected Rep. Ron DeSantis, the Republican from Ponte Vedra Beach who represents all of Flagler County and most of Volusia County.

“I sympathize with the victims of Hurricane Sandy and believe that those who purchased flood insurance should have their claims paid," DeSantis said. "At the same time, allowing the program to increase its debt by another $9.7 billion with no plan to offset the spending with cuts elsewhere is not fiscally responsible.”

After being sworn in Thursday as a member of the 113th Congress, DeSantis said he was "ready to fight."

"Two days ago, Florida families and businesses were dealt a devastating blow with the passage of a fiscal cliff bill that merely kicks our nation's biggest problems down the road," he said.

"Any agreement that raises taxes and allows federal spending to continue ballooning out of control is a bad deal. ... Voters sent me here to stand up for the bold, conservative reforms that are needed to get our fiscal house in order, turn our economy around, keep our military strong and promote and protect the core principles our Constitution was founded on."

<p>On Friday, only 67 members of the U.S. House voted against the $9.7 billion in flood insurance aid for Hurricane Sandy victims, and one of them was newly elected Rep. Ron DeSantis, the Republican from Ponte Vedra Beach who represents all of Flagler County and most of Volusia County.</p><p>“I sympathize with the victims of Hurricane Sandy and believe that those who purchased flood insurance should have their claims paid," DeSantis said. "At the same time, allowing the program to increase its debt by another $9.7 billion with no plan to offset the spending with cuts elsewhere is not fiscally responsible.” </p><p>After being sworn in Thursday as a member of the 113th Congress, DeSantis said he was "ready to fight." </p><p>"Two days ago, Florida families and businesses were dealt a devastating blow with the passage of a fiscal cliff bill that merely kicks our nation's biggest problems down the road," he said. </p><p>"Any agreement that raises taxes and allows federal spending to continue ballooning out of control is a bad deal. ... Voters sent me here to stand up for the bold, conservative reforms that are needed to get our fiscal house in order, turn our economy around, keep our military strong and promote and protect the core principles our Constitution was founded on."</p>